Do we need a third gender class?
by Axion on Sep 10, 2009 4:45 PM EDT
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PrintNow that it has been revealed that South African sprinter Caster Semenya is not playing for either team in the gender wars, this raises an interesting question. I know, seriousness; boooring. The IAAF recommends that Caster have surgery to "correct" this condition, what I like to call a God Mistake, and I can only imagine they're going to ban it from competing against women. I don't think it's going to be able to compete against the full-time men, either. So what about creating a hermaphrodite athlete class? Granted, there's a smaller sample to pull from (one hopes), but I think you could still get a high level of competition, allowing everyone to participate without athletes having to conform to something they're not or hide their condition. Where do you stand? Yea or Nay? Or are you somewhere in the middle?
For more information on hermaphrodites, see:
* Stephen Lynch - HermAphrodite w/ intro (song only) (via BleedMyMind)
* R.O. Manse Live - "Ladyboy" (via chippope)
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Two things
1) The surgery has been suggested not to “correct” the condition but to avoid the serious complications of living with the condition long term.
2) This article at the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/athletics/8245107.stm seems to suggest that the IAAF tried to have her tested before the championships which adds a new twist in my mind.
Blame my wife!
Waiting until August!
I got #1
but I just have a hard time believing this is that serious when she’s been competing at an Olympic level. A cursory glance at some science suggests it’s debatable as to whether or not the surgery is even necessary.
Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play
long term
having that much testosterone sloshing about probably isn’t good for you.
Blame my wife!
Waiting until August!
either way
if she opts for surgery, she’ll be taking supplemental hormones instead. Is that really any better? As long as the testes do not become cancerous, she should be just fine. I just said “she” a whole lot…. damn.
The IAAF’s only interest should be in maintaining a level playing field, not nudging this athlete one way or another. Basically, say you’re taking the medal or you’re not, because that’s the only thing they have influence over.
Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play
"She" is correct
She has been living and competing as a woman her whole life so far, therefore referring to her as “she” is correct.
I think the interesting comparison is with Oscar Pistorius. Oddly enough also South African. In theory both can compete with their peers (Oscar in the Paralympics for example) but also want to be able to compete with for want of a better word “normal” people. Is Caster better suited to competing with men or women?
The unfortunate end result will probably be the end of her athletic career. Either way the IAAF have handled the PR terribly badly.
Blame my wife!
Waiting until August!
it's obviously a man.
it has semen in its last name.
"Daddy, is Hevan like BIRDLAND?"
"No son, Hevan is BIRDLAND."
LOL hermaphrodite athletes. It’s very disappointing that she won’t be able to continue her success in her career. I believe that the only way she can do right now is to undergo medical treatment to fix her condition. Yes, it would be really unfair to others if she’ll continue to compete with other women.
